BCIS INITIATES “BLUE ECONOMY, DISCUSSIONS

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“Oceans and Ocean based Economy”, these topics have been becoming increasingly important topics of international community due to the higher economic significance of ocean and its resources. Within these circumstances, The Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies(BCIS), organized a seminar on “Blue Economy” on 31st of August 2017 at BCIS auditorium.According to BCIS, this was the first seminar related with that subject, was held in Sri Lanka. This seminar highlighted the potential of blue economy and strategic perspectives in Sri Lanka.

Australian High Commissioner of Sri Lanka contributed as a keynote speaker of thisseminar. There were two panel discussions sections while panels were headed by Dr.Ananda Mallawanthri and Admiral Jayanath Colombage. other panel members were prominent diplomats and academics. They discussed about the blue economic prospects using various scopes, like economy, trade, tourism industry, security and other related things. Let’s see how they concluded the issues.The concept of blue economy is difficult to define. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)defined ‘sustainable’ blue economy as a marine-based economy that provides social and economic benefits for current and future generations while restoring, protecting and maintaining the diversity, productivity, resilience, core functions, and intrinsic value of marine eco systems being based on clean technologies, renewable energy, and circular material flows keeping within the limits of one planet.

Majority of earth surface is covered by oceans. Above three billions of people`s

livelihoods are directly and indirectly connected with ocean related resources. Many industries,

including fisheries and tourism are based on oceans while 90% of world trading is occurring via

oceans. However, it’s sad to hear that due to excessive or irresponsible usage of these resources,

they have been being deteriorated with a time. From taking a examples from coral roofs,

Dr.Terney Pradeep explained this phenomena clearly. He also emphasized the need of protecting

or conserving nature while we are utilizing it. He also emphasized about the garbage dumping

issues related with oceans and value of beach cleanup projects and such type of conservation

efforts. There was a controversy in the audience, how there were so many government bodies for

ocean conservation and did those various bodies have any type of internal cooperation. It became

clear that there should be a unique governing body to coordinate these institutes sand their

procedures under the one overseeing and operating roof.

In a sense of trading Sri Lanka is situated naturally near to major sea lanes. Policy makers

should take necessary steps to get advantages from this from attracting more and more trade

cargos. Industry of fisheries should be developed and illegal methods of fishery should be

banned.in our exclusive economic zoom, there are many resources below the seabed. Some

resources have already been identified. But we don’t have necessary technology to excavations

or mining. So, it’s better to be cooperative with high technological and expert nations to fulfill

these tasks,Recreational activities can be considered as another aspect to develop tourism industry.

In Sri Lanka, still it is in primary level. We have a long way to go.

BCIS INITIATES “BLUE ECONOMY, DISCUSSIONS

Despite so many advantages, there is a security risk to us from sea. Still, we don’t have enough

technology to detect security risks like nuclear submarines. so, above all the things, we should

develop security mechanisms to make our oceans safe….